Bjong “Wolf” Yeigh Takes the Helm as New UW Bothell Chancellor

BOTHELL, Wash. – Dr. Bjong “Wolf” Yeigh begins his first day today as the new chancellor of the University of Washington Bothell campus. Yeigh succeeds Kenyon Chan, who served as UW Bothell chancellor for six years.

Yeigh (pronounced “YAY”) had a busy summer that included several flights and two cross-country car treks from New York state to Seattle. He was previously professor and president of SUNYIT, the State University of New York Institute of Technology at Utica/Rome.

Yeigh says he is excited about leading UW Bothell into its next phase of growth. “I wanted to join a team that is on the upward trajectory, on the growth path, and that is exactly what has happened here. I want to be part of the next level of growth and excellence that will take shape here at UW Bothell.”

Yeigh assumes leadership at a time of enormous growth for UW Bothell. A new Science and Academic building will open in 2014; construction on a new student activities center will begin in the fall. A record number of first year and transfer students are anticipated for the fall academic quarter, along with 29 new faculty who will also be joining the university. There are new programs debuting this fall in the Nursing and Health Studies program and Education program. The schools of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences and Business continue to attract a growing number of students with new programs and certificates.

In all, there are three new degree programs beginning this fall; another four will begin in 2014.

The new chancellor’s first day will be much like anyone’s first day on the job. He’ll be meeting new people, unpacking boxes and learning his way around. “I’m going to be embarking on a learning path,” he says. “I’ll do my share of reaching out and I want everyone else to do their share of reaching out to me.”

The University of Washington Bothell was established in 1990 to serve students in North King and Snohomish counties. It is the fastest-growing public university in the state of Washington; about 92 percent of its students are from Washington. The university currently enrolls 4,100 students and offers more than 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

About UW Bothell: The University of Washington Bothell provides an internationally and nationally-ranked university experience that inspires innovation and creativity. With more than 30 degrees, options, certificates and concentrations, its curriculum emphasizes close student-faculty interaction and critical thinking. UW Bothell builds regional partnerships, inspires change, creates knowledge, shares discoveries and prepares students for leadership in the state of Washington and beyond. For more information, visit www.uwb.edu.